Psalms 128

Prosperity and domestic happiness will be the lot of him who fears Jehovah and obeys His laws (Psalms 128:1-3). Such a man may hope to see Jerusalem prospering, and to leave a numerous posterity to succeed him (Psalms 128:4-6). This Psalm is a companion-piece to Psalms 127, and like it, was probably intended to encourage the members of the community of the Restoration at a time when there was much to dishearten. The scanty population of Jerusalem, and the constant alarms of attack, presented a perplexing contrast to the prophetic promises of peace and plenty and a numerous population (Jeremiah 30:18 ff; Jeremiah 31; Zechariah 8:1-17); but the Psalm teaches that the welfare of the state depends upon virtuous family life, and virtuous family life must be founded upon active religious principle. If Israel, family by family, will fear Jehovah, it shall realise the promises of the law and the prophets. Cp. Psalms 144:12-15; and for glimpses of the enjoyment of such idyllic happiness from time to time in the troubled life of Israel after the Restoration see Sir 50:22-24; 1Ma 14:4-15. Luther calls this Psalm an Epithalamium or Marriage Song, and its appropriateness for use in the Marriage Service is obvious.

Psalms 128:1-3

1–3. Domestic happiness the reward of godliness.

Psalms 128:2

2. A personal application of the general principle of Psa 128:1, addressed to any God-fearing father of a family. For thou shalt eat &c.] Or, The labour of thine hands shalt thou surely eat. His industry will not be baffled by bad seasons or other drawbacks, but will produce good results (Haggai 1:11; Haggai 2:17), and instead of their being carried off by enemies he will enjoy them himself. Cp. Isaiah 65:21-22 : and contrast the warnings of Lev 26:16; Deuteronomy 28:30 ff.; Amos 5:11; Micah 6:15; Job 31:8.

Psalms 128:3

3. as a fruitful vine] The fruitfulness, gracefulness, and preciousness of the vine are obvious points of comparison: its dependence and need of support may also be alluded to. by the sides of thine house] Rather, in the innermost chambers of thy house (Jer. in penetralibus domus tuae), to be connected with thy wife, as in the next line round about thy table obviously belongs to thy children. The women’s apartments were at the back of the tent or house, furthest from the entrance. thy sons like olive plants] The picture is that of the young olive trees springing up round the parent stem, fresh and full of promise. Cp. Thomson, Land and Book, p. 57. The evergreen olive is an emblem of vitality and vigour (Psalms 52:8; Jeremiah 11:16, &c.). round about thy table] Cp. 1 Samuel 16:11, “We will not sit round till he come hither.”

Psalms 128:4-6

4–6. Prayers and hopes for the welfare of the community.

Psalms 128:5

5. The Lord shall bless thee] It is possible to render thus, and to take the imperatives in the next two lines (lit. and see thou) as equivalent to emphatic futures (cp. Genesis 12:2): but it is preferable to render, Jehovah bless thee … that thou mayest see the welfare of Jerusalem … yea, see thy sons’ sons. See Driver, Tenses, § 65. out of Zion] Where He sits enthroned as King. Cp. Psalms 134:3; Psalms 114:7; Psalms 20:2.

Psalms 128:6

6. May he live to a good old age and see his family perpetuated in his grandchildren. Cp. Proverbs 17:6, and contrast the curse, Psalms 109:13. and peace upon Israel] Though the construction of the A.V. is possible, it is better to take these words, as in Psalms 125:5, as a separate clause, Peace be upon Israel.